New charity shop ‘Scallywags’ opens in Strabane

A NEW retail venture opened this week in Strabane with the aim of not only providing shoppers with quality clothing, but also improving the lives of young people in the town and surrounding area.

Charitable organisation Kinship Care NI, responsible for the Kindness of Strangers shop situated in Town Hall Square, have started the new store named Scallywags, situated at unit 9 on Upper Main Sreet.

Jaqueline Williamson, CEO of Kinship Care NI, says that the opening day couldn’t have gone better.

“We opened this morning (Monday), and the shop has been busy ever since and we are absolutely delighted. There was a celebratory champagne breakfast for the staff, and we have cake and tea available for all the customers throughout the day. We absolutely rocked the shop, taking in £941.

“The feedback we have received from people who have come in throughout the day has been nothing short of exceptional. The young people involved with the shop have been brilliant as well, very professional in their approach. They’ve been serving customers, upstairs sorting out stock for display and have been flat out on social media promoting the shop and uploading pictures of what we have available.”

The idea for Scallywags came out of lockdown, to establish classes to help young people with self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. One of the young people involved in the training was also responsible for the shop name.

Jaqueline emphasised that whatever financial benefit comes out of the venture will be used to improve the lives of local young people.

“Thirty per-cent of the money generated from Scallywags will go towards bettering the lives of young people who may be in dire straits, buying things like clothes, toys, school supplies or even driving lessons. It is heartening to see that we have been able to build something from what was only a kernel of an idea a matter of months ago.

“This is our ninth shop, and we could have opened it absolutely anywhere but there’s an excellent relationship with the people of Strabane who always come out to support new things, so it was an easy decision. Also, eleven of our young people who work in Scallywags are from the town as well. Here’s hoping today is a great indication of things to come for Scallywags.”